Modal Verbs
Modal verbs express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and advice.
intermediateModal VerbsDifficulty: 5/10
Explanation
Common Modals:
- Can/Could: ability, possibility, permission
- May/Might: possibility, permission (formal)
- Must: obligation, strong recommendation
- Should: advice, recommendation
- Will/Would: future, politeness, habits
Structure:
Subject + Modal + Base Verb (no 'to')
Characteristics:
- No -s for third person singular
- Followed by base form of verb
- Used with 'not' for negatives
Examples
Ability:
- I can swim very well.
- She could play piano when she was young.
Obligation:
- You must finish your homework.
- We should arrive on time.
Possibility:
- It might rain tomorrow.
- He may come to the party.
Permission:
- May I use your phone?
- You can go home early today.
Practice
Quick Actions
Grammar Stats
CategoryModal Verbs
Levelintermediate
Difficulty
5/10